SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

14. Ambition vs. Love

The early morning light slipped through Jennie's bedroom window, casting a gentle glow over the room. Soft, warm shadows draped over the bed, illuminating the tangle of sheets and two bodies nestled close together. Jennie woke first, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the light. Her gaze fell on Y/N, who was still sleeping soundly, her breathing even and peaceful.

Jennie's heart softened as she took in the sight. Y/N looked serene, one arm resting gently across Jennie's waist, her face softened by sleep in a way Jennie rarely saw. There was something so natural about the moment, as if they'd done this a hundred times before. She couldn't help but smile, her fingers tracing the gentle curve of Y/N's shoulder, reveling in the quiet intimacy.

A part of Jennie wanted to stay like this forever, just wrapped in the warmth of Y/N's presence, far away from the demands of their public lives. But even in the stillness of the morning, a quiet unease lingered. She knew this wasn't a scene she'd get to relive often, and the thought twisted a little in her chest.

Y/N stirred beside her, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She blinked, taking a moment to focus before a slow, sleepy smile spread across her face.

"Morning," Jennie murmured softly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from Y/N's face.

"Morning," Y/N replied, her voice warm and drowsy. She took in the room around her, her eyes settling on Jennie, a playful glint appearing. "I didn't expect to wake up like this... at least not so soon."

Jennie laughed softly, feeling a warmth spread through her at the shared honesty. "Yeah, me neither. But I don't regret it." Her voice was barely above a whisper, as though saying it any louder might break the spell of the morning.

Y/N chuckled, shifting a bit closer, her face resting against Jennie's shoulder. "Guess we surprised ourselves," she murmured. She closed her eyes again, as if savoring the last few moments of peaceful comfort.

Jennie traced a pattern on Y/N's arm, her mind swirling with emotions she hadn't quite anticipated. There was a vulnerability here, an intimacy she hadn't let herself imagine in a long time. She knew she should say something, maybe bring up the reality of what had happened between them, but part of her didn't want to disturb the tranquility of the morning.

Eventually, Y/N opened her eyes again, her gaze soft but steady. "So... last night," she said gently, her voice layered with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty.

Jennie swallowed, nodding as she met Y/N's gaze. "Yeah, about that." She bit her lip, searching for the right words. "I... I don't know what it meant, exactly. But it felt right. Didn't it?"

Y/N's face softened, her hand reaching up to tuck a strand of Jennie's hair behind her ear. "It did. I don't think I've ever felt this... comfortable. Like there was no one to impress, no roles to play. Just... us." She paused, her gaze dropping slightly as she took a breath. "But I get it if this is... a one-time thing."

Jennie's chest tightened at the words. "A one-time thing?" she repeated, shaking her head. "No, that's not... that's not what I want." She gave Y/N a tentative smile, her fingers brushing along Y/N's arm. "Honestly? I haven't felt this real with someone in a long time."

They lay there in silence for a moment, the weight of their words settling over them. It was vulnerable and fragile, yet neither seemed willing to let it go.

Y/N broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "So... what now?" There was an openness in her expression, a readiness to face whatever Jennie wanted.

Jennie hesitated, her gaze dropping to where their hands rested on the bed, fingers just barely touching. "I'm not sure," she admitted softly. "All I know is... I don't want to go back to pretending this doesn't mean anything." She glanced up, her eyes meeting Y/N's, her own vulnerability laid bare. "But... with our lives, our careers... it's complicated."